The IFFR Trainee Programme for Young Film Critics 2019

IFFR recognizes the vital importance of film analysis and criticism. That’s why, in 1998, they launched theYoung Film Critics trainee programme to support a new generation of young and upcoming film critics.

A group of young and motivated professional film critics from outside the Netherlands are invited to come to Rotterdam to cover our festival. We provide them with the means to sharpen their journalistic practice and explore the wide landscape of independent cinema on offer at IFFR, one of the major international film festivals for the press, industry members and audiences.

IFFR Trainee Programme for Young Film Critics

The IFFR Trainee Programme for Young Film Critics provides a unique insight into a broad range of programmes on offer at our festival, ranging from films by well-known arthouse auteurs to more experimental and obscure cinematic gems and from art installations and performances to talks and film industry conferences.

In the past editions, IFFR welcomed Young Film Critics from all regions of the world. Last year, at IFFR 2018, we had participants from Singapore, Romania, Nigeria, Chile, and Bangladesh.

Trainee programme (5 to 8 candidates every year)

As a trainee, you are part of the editorial team of the festival. You will have meetings with experienced film critics from different backgrounds, cover the festival for your own journalistic affiliation and be part of IFFR’s editorial staff. Of course, you will also get to experience the full joy of being at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. With the changing media landscape in mind, this year’s programme will put special focus on candidates with mixed talents – next to excellent writing skills, experience in (or great ideas for) audiovisual, audio or other innovative modes of journalism are appreciated.

Benefits

Complimentary IFFR 2019 press accreditation

Budget hotel accommodation in Rotterdam

A partial refund of travel costs when traveling from outside Europe

A full schedule. IFFR aims at making trainees fully integral to the festival and lets them participate in the delivery of daily festival outlets. The trainees will form a team, hosted by the IFFR Press Office and the festival editorial staff. You get to explore all aspects of IFFR (screenings, exhibitions, Q&A sessions, masterclasses and talks, debates, film industry conferences) as part of the programme and to cover for your own media.

If your participation is successful and you have published reports that meet IFFR’s standards (both in quality and quantity), you get the opportunity to visit the next edition of the festival as an accredited journalist.

Eligibility

You are under 30 years of age.

Fluent command of the English language (written and spoken)

Demonstrable experience in film criticism (print, video, audio or online media) + storyboard or any creative form of daily reporting